There's Always A New Chip To Try

Consider the potato chip

new flavors all the time

fire roasted sweet corn

who-da thought

Oh how we search

for that new flavor of life

We search high and low

for something fresh

To tickle the taste buds

of our imagination

To set us on a path

we've not traveled before

To open our minds

toward a greater understanding of who we are

To enrich our lives

bringing greater joy to our hearts

I've tried that fire roasted sweet corn chip

You know something

it really was quite satisfying

A Broken Silence

In the dark I sat alone

the silence I had searched for was broken

it was as if I was hearing

the beat of a broken heart

With it came the sound the empty stomachs of children

the wailing of mothers and fathers

over those who had already passed

the weeping of an entire people

as the lack of humanity

allowed them to go without

I could swear that it was with my ears

yet I knew better

somewhere deep within

there had come an awakening

to the rhythm of life

a life that I could not begin to comprehend

I had to question if this was real

or a greater presence before me

from another plane

one that we cannot see with our eyes

hear with our ears

nor feel with our mortal being

How had this come while I was so alone

why was that time of silence invaded

these sounds I hear

should never be present

I had once been told

that a man's heart

had a limited number of beats

and then he would die

Whose death am I witnessing

as I listen to what is supposed to be my quiet time

That place of peace

will I ever be allowed to visit it again

Silence

To sit in total silence

my world becomes filled with peace

it's as if no others exist at all

I am alone in that emptiness of sound

where no one and nothing can touch me

I become for a short while

he who molds the entire universe

into a single harmonic entity

There is no hate

There are no wars

No sickness nor hunger

One may believe

this to be running away

from reality

But in truth

it is more a journey within

which returns my sanity

The Final Season

Sometimes in winter

it gets very cold

all warmth is gone

life becomes hard

lacking the motivation

for most anything

the days long

they become lonely

when the kids

no longer visit 

the nursing home

To Everything There is a Season

I felt the turn

it came subtly

the transition was smooth

almost to the point of not being noticed

the teaching was becoming an appeal

one to an awakening

we must become aware to learn

find the truth and then act with care

to preserve a world that we can live in

if we sleep we will be lost

buried beneath a wave of tidal proportions

this is a season to stay awake

Mad at the World -any means to an end

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

any means to an end

is no way to be

Where are mens morals

how black be their soul

stooping so low to use torture

have their hearts grown that cold

I thought we were better

that was how I was taught

we once held the high ground

has this all been for naught

I guess man's no more than an animal

once again barbarized

he's returned to those days

before he became civilized

Still Mad at the World

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

the men of greed

deprive many in need

c'mon at least feed

the children

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

our leaders ain't trying

leaving mothers home crying

while their children are dying

at wars to appease those of greed

War waged for profit

what's wrong with these men

lives having no meaning

I'll ask it again

They've purchased our government

it's power they buy

when it comes to their greed

is this the ultimate high

It's much more than money

it's power they want

like the days of the slaves

have come back to haunt

they want full control of the public

get rid of the whole middle class

the more we're like slaves

the better their days

WAKE UP

their ways won't soon pass

Mad at the World

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

as death marches on

the killers walk free

Home and abroad

our children they're dying

parents and loved ones

at home can't stop crying

It's hard to accept it

you cannot move on

when a death comes to visit

and your child is gone

Sad for a moment

the next you're so pissed

you beg for some closure

but it doesn't exist

You never forget

ask around and you'll see

there is ever a hole

where the heart used to be

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

they're down in the gutter

they're like you and like me

These folks they're still people

there are children and vets

unwed mothers and the ill

fallen through all the nets

Hungry and cold

each day continue to suffer

while the greedy fat cats

keep adding more to their buffer

Laws being made

against feeding these people

ordinances made

that they cannot panhandle

How else will they eat

how will they survive

when our countries lawmakers

wish they weren't even alive

It's not just here in the states

it's all over this earth

where men fallen on hard time

are seen to be without worth

I pity the rich folks and lawmakers

the ones who haven't a care

but their greed makes me angry

with their refusal to share

Yet the poor, the downtrodden

and us who live week to week

are the folks who will share

when the picture's most bleak

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

our kids taught to hate

that's not how it should be

When they're just small

they don't know about hate

but then as they grow

bigoted parents dictate

“Stay away from them

can't you see they are black”

it could be Muslim or Jew

the bigots go on attack

And it's not just the white folk

that live in this world

it's from all races and creeds

that this hate has been hurled

Just because someone's different

kids are being taught “they are BAD”

it not only makes me angry

but also quite sad

Mad at the world

why shouldn't I be

old folks neglected

why can't their kids see

Many see their parents are aging

body and mind paying the toll

from the pressures of life

and that they're no longer whole

Then the kids say they can't cope

taking care of parents today

except to pack up their belongings

an stash them away

To the rest home they send them

after all that's a start

to have the care they require

minus the needs of the heart

Then they wonder what's wrong

with their Mammy and Pappy

when they do finally visit

to only find they're not happy

Mad at the world

that's what you should be

are you immune to the killings

they sure bother me

What of the homeless

are they no more than bums

do you care for these people

or are you just numb

The hate that is taught

to you does it matter

or have you been part of that teaching

think of the hearts it does shatter

When your folks do get old

it's your love they will need

c'mon think about it

after all you're their seed

In life there are things that matter

they ought to be done right

if these things make you angry

it's time that you join the fight

Seize the Moment

The moment that passed

cannot be retrieved

whatever it had

is now lost

Attention not paid

to the time we are given

can often come

with a very high cost

To just dream of tomorrow

and never learn from today

our lives

they will not move on

As the path set before us

requires some walking

seize each moment

before today is all gone

Will We Ever Eat Cake Again

Hungry

a crumb or two will do

anything at all

will help ease my pain

this emptiness

it's been my ruin

will there ever come a day

that I might feel full again

yet for the time being

I must find satisfaction

in the crumbs

of the great cakes

dropped beneath the tables

of the oligarch 

The Wilding

I had heard of this species

a video had been brought to me

there was a great pile

all struggling in an attempt

to gain an advantage

over all others

an attempt to make the prize its own

these creatures were nothing I had seen before

totally wild and uncontrollable

while watching I heard their call

in amongst the noise, a sound

it almost sounded human

I began to look away

as my eyes moved toward the edge of the screen

I saw it, a sign

the words brought additional fear to my heart

it said

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

There are Times When Words do no Good

How many times had I tried to help

four or five, ten maybe twenty

I had lost count

Our talks never seemed to do any good

He needed to change the way he thought

understand forgiveness

But his bitterness

it was nestled too deep within

Ever since his loss

his life was in decline

He was ever moving further away

from the man he once was

His wife and children

they were everything to him

The accident had taken them away

Why had he drank so heavily  

The Softer Side

Men, why yes

they've a softer side

but much too often

it's forced to hide

Hidden beneath

a rough exterior

then they act

the complete posterior

Hiding their feelings

not sharing their trust

denying emotions

yet acceptance a must

They're there to protect us

our hearts are under the gun

we've got to wake up

before the damage is done

Take My Hand

Has it gotten any better

than those days gone before

are races any more equal

will we ever tie the score

Will there always be discord

and this horrible lack of trust

why is it that we judge a man

for the color of his crust

“It's plain to see he's not like me”

that excuse is truly lame

see deep inside, beneath our hide

our blood runs all the same

Each and every one of us

must share this common land

and we can truly live in peace

if we'll just walk hand in hand

A Thanksgiving Reminder

Another Thanksgiving

and here we are

gathered round the old table

the grandest feast by far

The turkey, the stuffing

yams and mashed taters

gravy all over it

pumpkin pie we'll eat later

Yeah feeding our faces

till our bellies are full

yet still making an attempt

at just one more spoonful

Yes today seems so perfect

all this family and food

and it's thankful we are

for this fall interlude

But there are others less fortunate

who have no houses or homes

living out on the streets

cold and alone

Scrounging for food

and a place to get warm

without all the comforts

we believe are the norm

Please enjoy todays feast

but share when you can

though those folks may be homeless

they're still your fellow man

War, Good for Business

War is good

for business you know

there's always

a buck to be made

and the killing of people

increases the profits

as many employees

won't have to be paid

so mothers and fathers

throughout this great land

help build our economy

c'mon, take a stand

send us your kids

that's right, don't delay

kill 'em off for good reason

here at home they die anyway

why die in vain

who knows, with some luck

they could perish quite quickly

saving investors a big buck

spiking the profits

by saving their wage

keeping the rich on the fast track

without turning a page

like I said

war is good business

profit margins

they're great

as long as

there's killing

there will be

pieces of eight

We Can Always Hope

It's here, it's here,

Utopia has arrived

What a wonderful moment

And here I'm still alive

A land of peace

A country of love

A total absence of hate

A gift from above

Long have I waited

For this day to arrive

My hope for its coming

Is what's kept me alive

Finally it's here

This is mans second chance

We can rejoice all together

And to new music we'll dance

Oh how I pray this is real

And this moment is what it seems

That I'm actually awake

And it's not just one of my dreams

Why Not Have Ham

Beef

was once for dinner

but the cow said

“eat more chicken”

I saw the turkey

holding a sign

the words

“why not have ham”

These things made me stop

they made me think

these animals wish the demise of another

that attitude sure does stink

Then I looked around

quite embarrassed, AHEM

I'd seen this before

how HUMAN of them

I Can't Save the World Alone

Here I am

trying to save the world

my words

will they make any difference

why write

if no-one's going to read them

why care

when man enjoys his bitterness

his loss

peace, love and joy

his change

must first come from within

reaching one

my hope is that change is contagious

and passed

from one heart to another

a dream

of love spreading to all men

What the Hell's Wrong with People

Rioting

well it just ain't right

what the hell's wrong

these folks ain't too bright

The violence erupting

won't change anything

the fires, the looting

more brutality will bring

They're hurting themselves

while destroying much good

this world that we live in

is everyones hood

Respecting our neighbors

a thing of the past

never more obvious

than while their anger does last

And that there's the problem

you'll see on both sides

closed minded people

living lives nurtured by lies

The Blacks are all criminals

The Whites all racists

Asians invading

Too many Latinos exist

People today

they're brought up on disdain

and their hate leaves behind them

nothing but pain

Do I have the answer

no, but I can see the cause

it's those closed minded people

who won't give hate a pause

If only for a day

they'd give peace a chance

and walk hand in hand

we could learn a new dance

You might say “FAT CHANCE

your dream will never come true”

well you're probably right

not with your attitude

Just The Way I See It

Though I wasn't there

the truth I'll never know

but the prosecutor

well put on a poor show

A life had been taken

his job was to indict

yet he presented defense

well I guess that's his right

I'm telling you folks

there's just something wrong

when a district attorney

touts a defense song

The killer went free

self defense we were fed

all six shots found their target

to make sure Brown was dead

How is this not murder

because Wilson's a cop

my word, six shots

I guess he just couldn't stop

If he's really that nervous

and afraid for his life

he might be working the wrong job

if it creates that much strife

A Reminder of How Things Should Be

The clear morning sky

allows the sun to shine

directly upon the fresh blanket of snow

which was delivered over night

The super bright of the reflection

harsh on my eyes, painful

yet so pure, so wonderful

I have no will to look away

How could I not continue to gaze upon this picture

this beautiful moment will not last long

natures gift to me will soon be spoiled

man's pollution comes with his activity

My hope, call it a prayer

is that on this beautiful morning

man over sleeps

leaving this world untouched for today

Can't You even Spare A Cup of Coffee

As a boy

I played with toys

But as I grew

somehow I knew

Those days of fun

would soon be done

Watching my dad

as he worked for a living

paying the bills

little left for the giving

No we weren't dirt poor

we didn't miss any meals

always a roof over our heads

they didn't seem like big deals

Though we heard of the hungry

we didn't believe they existed

just a ploy to clean our plates

of foods with tastes we resisted

But the poor did exist

yes in the sixties and before

and as I grew in the suburbs

I never knew the real score

You see the city was hidden

Appalachia as well

where I lived we were sheltered

from those conditions of hell

Then one day I woke up

and the poor became real

knowledge I lacked in my childhood

was now a big deal

In this world are the hungry

they are tired and weak

many are cold and sick

as they lie in the streets

How the hell can we let them

go without care

it's not like we're a people

unable to share

If we're such a great nation

with all of our riches

why is it we act as such low

sons-a-bitches

The Green Man

Entering the forest

not really knowing why

I took chance to step upon a worn path

Though shaded beneath the canopy

the way was plain to see

Here and there rays of light

fought their way through the leaves

preventing the theft of my sight

removing the darkness

left behind from the night

The sun seldom dawns on the forest floor you know

The path I was following

was reminiscent of a slalom course

winding its way

through trees which were ever increasing

in their height and girth

taking me ever deeper

into the very heart of the forest

Before me appeared an opening

there was a great abundance of sunlight

As I drew closer

there at the center

I could see what must have been

the mother of all trees

The picture I saw

appeared strange to me

upon its branches

it looked as if there were the leaves

of the oak

of the elm

of the maple

of the birch and beach trees alike

all upon the same tree

My curiosity peaked

it was mixed with

the fear of the unknown

There at the base

of this trees great massive trunk

was the answer to why

I felt the need to enter this great wooded area

I had only heard of the Green Man before

never really believing that he existed

Then to my amazement

he spoke to me

“As the life of all trees are nourished

by the flow of the same life giving sap,

all human life is nourished

through the same blood”

“As all trees are one with creation,

all men are one with the trees”

“All the minute portions of creation

are part of the one whole,

we are all one”

A Gift from the Mist

I sat in the shallow cavern behind the falls

gazing out at the fine mist

it was rising above the pool below

I watched as the sun sent forth its rays of light

as they passed through this mist before me

I felt as if I was receiving a gift

sent by morning star

its brilliance

excited the millions of prisms

contained within the tiny water droplets

causing colors to burst forth

displaying the most glorious rainbow

more spectacular than I had ever witnessed before

all those wonderful colors

coming together

to make the whole of this vision in the mist

it was then that I realized

today this rainbow

that I was given the privilege of viewing

was not the promise spoken of

instead, it was a message

that all men

of all colors and races

of all faiths

believers or not

gay and straight alike

whether they're rich or poor

must at one point

all come together

if we are ever to be whole

for within us

it is the same river of life

being pumped through our bodies

by our hearts

The Poets Nightmare

Was that all there was

could he really be done

it was becoming like work

no longer fun

It once was a joy

the rhymes came so easy

but lately a burden

leaving his stomach quite queasy

It was upsetting as hell

when he couldn't find words

like as if freedom was across the river

and he could not find the fjord

He was stuck on this side

as if a curtain had been drawn

yet he knew he couldn't quit

yet there was no way to move on

It was a terrible feeling

being trapped there in limbo

having so much in his heart

and so little to show

Was it time to give up

time for him to quit writing

what would become of his life

it was a time that was frightening

The Plains

The plains

travel is smooth

little stands in the way

progress through life is made easy

there are few challenges or pit falls here

personal growth held to limits

we tend to grow lazy

why remain in

the plains

Valleys

Valleys

low points of life

what purpose so they serve

they were not meant to weaken us

these fertilized basins feed your spirit strength

faith needed to face your mountains

rest for your very soul

do not fear the

valleys

Mountains

Mountains

are there to climb

they may stand in the way

you may be wondering just why

the fact is that there are lessons to learn

that will determine your future

once you find that success

give thanks to the

mountains

Reactivity

Reactivity

yeah, I guess that's the word

those quick snide remarks

folks like to use as a sword

Not thinking at all

just plain biting back

taking offense to most everything

as if under attack

The argument starts

the anger does grow

the drama spills over

others forced to watch this sad show

I wonder why live like that

reactive I mean

is it something they've learned

or is it some kind of gene

Do they love being angry

does it have a great flavor

when in truth it hurts all

when their bitterness they do savor

I hope that someday

they can leave this behind

cast off all their anger

and become gentle and kind

Sharing the Marble

My time here is short

I've a message to share

it must be delivered

to teach others to care

It's mine for to spread

it could be for others as well

but I've been given these words

and I'm supposed to go sell

But just caring inside

is not near enough

I've got to put care into action

show that I've got the stuff

A love for my brothers

all religions and races

whether they're believers or not

respect everyones faces

The homeless, the rich

whether they're straight or they're gay

none of that should matter at all

again, it's respect I should pay

sure it would be oh so easy

to avoid all interaction

if this was nothing but words

and I failed to take action

But inside we're just people

all one great big union

sharing this wonderful blue marble

you see we're all of us human

Michigan Golf in November

This is Michigan

November seven

I'm still playing golf

is this some kind of heaven

The course is in great shape

and there's a feeling of peace

while I'm sharing the fairways

with hundreds of geese

I've been hitting 'em straight

and driving it far

my irons like lasers

yeah man, making some pars

Doing all of those things

that the good golfers do

except for one little thing

avoiding goose poo

Don't Ask

They asked my opinion

I gave it to them

then when I was done

I heard that “Ahem”

Turned out that it wasn't

what they wanted to hear

as a matter of fact

it wasn't even near

That was when the fight started

they took my opinion to task

if they didn't want to hear it

why in the hell did they ask  

A Smile

A smile

often can be

what makes a difference

between the bad days and the good

when the bad days arrive, all is not lost

when you need to turn one around

the truth of the matter

all you need is

a smile

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

is for the soul

releasing the evil

that's taken a hold

bitterness, anger and hate

the spirit killers

that can seal your fate

tearing you down and leaving a life

of misery that's filled

with a great strife

Forgiveness

it's for your own heart

protecting your spirit

doing its part

righting your path

to one where joy can be found

giving away all that evil

to which you've been bound

Forgiveness

it's really for you

you're not saying it's fine

it's just what you must do

for with it comes freedom

for your spirit and heart

giving them life once again

giving you a new start

Man' Revenge upon Himself

Hateful thoughts

imaginary daggers

emerge from a heart

with no ability

to forgive

filled with anger

owned by bitterness

a soul at its blackest

peace has no chance

love cannot exist

loneliness ensues

depression is born

a spirit dies

The Autumn Breeze

The autumn breeze

the colors bold

loosing the leaves

both red and gold

Raining down

to meet mother earth

where they'll turn to brown

decay and feed a rebirth

A lesson that's rife

here for reflection

the circle of life

nature in its perfection

Man's Windows

Man's windows

to the world

his senses

open all

for his understanding

and his pleasure

his eyes feast upon

the beauty of the flowers

sun risings and sunsets

the colors of the leaves of autumn

his ears receive

the bird songs from above

and the sound of the babbling brook

his nose takes in

the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee

and the wonderful smells of the bakery

with it's freshly baked breads

his taste buds able to differentiate

the sweets from the savory

allowing him to enjoy the foods

meant to nourish him

and his touch

with its gentleness

not only to feel

but to bestow his love

upon another  

Just a Name

So, they say they are Christian

but how are they measured

do they act like their Saviour

can they truly be treasured

Or have they wandered away

from so many of his teachings

ignoring his words

it's his intention they're breeching

When you look at these people

quite often you'll find

they've forgotten his love

for all of mankind

Their treatment of black folk

less than human they were

three fifths of a person

not the Christians finest hour

Women had their day

in the churches not equal

again less than human

kind of like a rerun or sequel

Today it's the gays

trans-gendered and bi's

and these same so called Christians

have averted their eyes

Refusing to love

as that man Jesus said

gone to the extreme

of wishing them dead

Where is that love

where is their caring

are todays Christians real

or is just a name they are wearing

Who are Those People

Where is Christ

they told me he was dead

I knocked all the doors

of all the churches

there was never any answer

I guess it's true

Has hope up and left

without him

what will become of the world

Who's that sharing his food

and providing a coat

to that homeless fellow?

Why is that person

giving his shoes

to that bum?

Did I just hear that woman

offer shelter and help with health care

to that pregnant teen with no home?

Do my eyes and ears deceive me

or is that.......

Wait a minute,

How come he's not in the churches?

The Beauty of a Lemons Rind Hides the Sour Fruit Inside

I knew this girl, quite beautiful

and of course I thought, she's wonderful

until her mouth had opened wide

the words that she spoke were ever so snide

revealing to me what was deep inside

an ugliness that she couldn't hide

that proved her to be despicable

and made her quite unlovable

I Can Only Hope for that Someday

Both on the street

and battle field

the killings endless

they never yield

While all the talking

gets nothing done

it appears as they kill

purely for fun

I feel as though

I write this in vain

while so many others

continue to suffer their pain

If they who need to

will not listen

however will our words

ever glisten

Yet I'll continue to write

with hopes for tomorrow

that one day we'll wake

with none of this sorrow

Own Your Own

No need to be threatened

by the beliefs of another

when the beliefs you have

are your own

No need to be upset

by their ideas and words

if yours are truly written

in stone

There's no need to fight

no need to argue

simple discussion

is a much better tone

For then if you talk

and learn from each other

you'll find in the end

you've both grown

Others words, ideas and beliefs threaten not when one truly owns his own.

The Fourteenth at Tomac Woods

I love it

I hate it

it's both my favorite

and least

a long and narrow fairway

lined by marvelous trees

so many different types

the colors

for a moment

cause you to forget how important

a straight drive is on this hole

the leaves in the landing area

tell you it really doesn't matter today

you're here to enjoy the course

wandering through the changing season

even now as autumn has taken full control

the joy playing

brings a smile that remains

ever present

Don't miss a day of it my friends

Don't miss a day!

The Breaking Down of the Wall

The wall had been built

strong and sturdy it was

it kept the state

from dictating religion

It's purpose to insure

that all men, women too

could believe, or not

worship, or not

in short to have their own faith

and that all may be treated as equals

It was built

to stop the witch burnings

to end the persecution of the baptists

to bestow upon all men, women too

the freedom to have their own faith

The differences were many

folks seemed to get stupid

thinking

“There's only one way

and that's mine”

“Laws should be made to

give me advantage”

“After all

can't you see God is mine”

They picked up the sledge

started hammering away at the wall

attempting to mold it, shape it, yes change it

and with all this pounding it started to fall

They were claiming the first

and yes they've that right

what they forgot

was the first was for all

they had picked the wrong fight

Then the fourteenth was born

to bolster the wall

build it back up

to insure to all

their rights be protected

but that wasn't enough

the hammering continued

and the state said

“ENOUGH”

“All have these rights

and you've no right

to deny them”

You claim you're non-profit

you've been given the freedom

to worship and believe as you wish

and in your church build your kingdom

But if you're licensed as business

I know this sounds hollow

but you've really no choice

it's the laws of the land you must follow

You've been given protection

and what did you do

started tearing it down

tell me

Who's encroached upon who?

Don't Miss the Important Stuff

Possessions and people

they'll come and they'll go

while the heart and the spirit

they're a world all their own

It's a world deep within

that's ignored by so many

who concentrate on the surface

only to miss their own beauty

The Earth is Ours, We are the Earth

We are children of the one creator

man has given him many names

but the names matter not

he is simply the ever present

We are all his creation

all of the same substance

I am but a small part of he

while he is all of me

Being one with the earth

the flowers of all colors

and the towering trees

the animals that roam

the forests and prairies

Being one with the seas

the gilled of the deep

the air breathers and shellfish

One with the heavens

the melodious songbirds

those great birds of prey

even the vulture

who displays great beauty in flight

They are all a part of him

all intended to be the answer

to the needs of another

the supply that sustains

He's not hard to please

he only wishes

to be treated with respect

a gentle touch

a soft footprint

use but don't abuse

and share it all

while traveling his paths

We are also the answer

to the needs of another

We are their sustainer

A Gentle Footprint

He had taken care

of each step he took

they were gentle

never destructive

Pebbles along his path

remained in their place

that path left open

no bridge ever burnt

always present

that others might follow

his footsteps

Gardens of flowers

ever fragrant

blessing his life with joy

always groomed

weeded so that others

might also enjoy their beauty

He had been taught in his youth

to respect all things of this world

for all things belonged to all people

to bless each according to their need

Destruction would deny a healing

His footprints were worthy

of being followed

The Winter of Love

It was the dead of winter

A fresh snow had come

that pure white blanket

drifted across the walk

and just off the eves of my roof

The picture was like what you would find

only on a print done by Thomas Kinkade

That stone cottage

in amongst the trees

with a faint warm candle light

coming through its bay window

Warmed by the embers left in the hearth

we had explored each others bodies, minds and hearts

discovered that commonality only soul mates are aware of

we found a world that brought joy to both of us

It was the birth of our love

How Could I Not Love Her

Yes lust had come first

but love took its place

when once I discovered

she had more than a face

when I gazed in her eyes

I saw into her soul

she had this desire

to make everyone whole

she would care for those

deemed unlovely by most

to the down trodden and poor

she was ever the host

lifting them up

dusting them off

helping them to feel human

after they'd felt so lost

always the giver

denying herself

when they call and they need help

her life goes on the shelf

just why is she like this

I don't have that answer

the one thing I do know

is that I'll always love her

Poets Immortal

Poets immortals

ever with us

their ghosts still present

there's no need for to fuss

They mean you no harm

they're here for to bless

with the words that they've left us

they oft relieve our distress

Their words are alive

they are truly an art

a wonderful archive

here to show us their heart

These marvelous words

that we sit and we ponder

the stories they bring us

offer journeys to wander

The pictures they paint

with the ink that they share

introduce us to new places

and then take us there

They show us the heavens

and take us through hell

their inspired words

put us under their spell

Some are life lessons

others lessons of love

they document wars

and speak as the dove

Yes they live on

not one of them dead

they're truly immortal

as long as they're read

The Side we don't See

He had it all

not a worry one

his life a picture

of nothing but fun

he had all the toys

that one could ever want

and always in public

appearing so nonchalant

Why suicide

whatever was wrong

often it's drugs

that have stolen their song

was having it all

without any limit

the last nail in the coffin

that had taken the spirit

That will live

where does it go

what the hell are they missing

does anyone know

those rich and famous

why so hard pressed

to always appear

as their lives are so blessed

Down deep inside

they lie to themselves

their lives become wasted

the best parts have been shelved

always in character

ever playing their role

in truth they've run aground

on a deserted shoal

Memories

Wonderful memories

bringing forth tears

the times of my youth

those long lost years

Often forgotten

hidden by years

of life's many trials

and day to day fears

Seldom they come

yet once they do start

they race though my mind

and again touch my heart

Bringing back feelings

I thought were long dead

taking me back

to my youthful homestead

We'd gather with friends

I can picture their faces

they're right here in my heart

though we're in far away places

These tears, they're the good kind

they take me back home

to spend time with my good friends

reliving days long outgrown